How to write headlines that sell

How to write headlines that sell

1. Use the benefit of your product or service

What is the benefit of your product/service? Make your number one selling point your headline:

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2. Be direct

This headline doesn’t employ jokes or clever games, instead, it gets straight to the point. It’s best used when the reader is already familiar with your product/service.

Pure wool jumpers…50% off
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3. Start with: ‘How to’

We all love to improve ourselves. The key to the ‘How to’ headline is to identify the reader’s need and to fulfill that need. The ‘How to’ must always get to the heart of the benefit – what the reader really wants. For a smoker who wants to stop smoking quickly:

How to stop smoking in 7 days

To appeal to the people who need a holiday but have little money:

How to holiday in the Lakes for £20 a night

4. Bring exciting news

People are drawn to news – it’s instinctive. Your product or service doesn’t have to be news in the wider sense, just news to your reader.

At last, a slimming formula that works!
Introducing the latest in concrete slipforming machines

Now you can verify a caller’s identity with our revolutionary voice recognition software

5. Ask a question

When you ask a question directly engage with your reader. The question must communicate the benefit of the product or service and make the reader want to find out more.

What’s the secret to keeping your weeds at bay?
Just had an accident that wasn’t your fault? Read this

How do I know which savings plan is right for me?

6. Be bossy

Don’t beat about the bush. Armed with your benefit, tell the reader what to do right from the start.

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7. Filter information

In today’s world, people are suffering from information overload. What people want are important facts that don’t waste their time but get to the nub of things.

10 vital steps to living longer
Secrets to ending your money worries forever
Horse racing tips – all you need to know

8. Testimonials

Third-party endorsements sell products. Turn testimonials into headlines.

‘From a rough sketch of my garden, Colin brought my vision to life.’
‘This diet program worked for me. It can work for you too!’
‘It’s the first book on computing that’s really made sense to me.’

9. Visit Amazon for inspiration

If you are selling a product find a similar product on Amazon. Read the positive reviews and find one that could form the basis of a headline.

The A-Z of outstanding early years practice
The ultimate early years’ book
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10. Brainstorm to write headlines that sell

Brainstorm as many headlines as you can. The more ideas you have to choose from the more powerful your headline will be.